Prisoner Of War Flag Ceremony

body len: 1486

Equipment: American Flag mounted to a blanket. Personnel: 2 Scouts to hold flag, and a reader

Reader: On a summer day in a prison camp during World War II, the prisoners were just completing a talent show when, without any announcement, two soldiers stood up in front of the group holding a rolled up blanket. They looked quickly but carefully in all directions to make sure no guards were watching. Then, holding the blanket high, they let it unroll. Fastened to the inside of the blanket was the beautiful Stars and Stripes of the flag of the United States. (Scouts match actions to story.)

At the time of their surrender, one of the soldiers had taken down the flag and some how managed to wrap it around his body. Covered by his uniform, it had not been discovered during the inspection of his personal belongings. He had been able to keep it hidden until he had arrived at the prison camp.

As the blanket was unrolled, the other prisoners saw the flag. A ripple of wonder and amazement ran through the group, followed by a deep silence that comes only when the heart is to full to permit words to be spoken. With their eyes still gazing upon this beautiful banner the soldiers rose to their feet and began to sing softly, but with pride. They sang our National Anthem. Will the audience please rise and join in singing our National Anthem.